The federal government yesterday withdrew its circular, which ordered vice-chancellors, pro-chancellors and governing councils to re-open universities across the country amid the lingering strike by the academic staff.
This came a few hours after the National Universities Commission (NUC), ordered vice-chancellors to re-open schools and allow students to resume lectures.
The two circulars were signed by the Director, Finance and Account of the NUC, Sam Onazi.
In the circular issued in the evening with the reference NUC/ES/138/Vol.64/136, Onazi retracted the earlier statement released by the Commission.
The circular titled: “Withdrawal of Circular NUC/ES/138/Vol.64/135 dated September 23, 2022” reads, “I have been directed to withdraw the NUC Circular Ref: NUC/ES/138/Vol.64/135, and dated September 23, 2022 on the above subject.
“Consequently, the said circular stands withdrawn. All pro-chancellors and chairmen of governing councils, as well as vice-chancellors of federal universities are to please note. Further development and information would be communicated to all relevant stakeholders.
“Please accept the assurances of the Executive Secretary’s warmest regards.”
Consequently, the said circular stands withdrawn. All pro-chancellors and chairmen of governing councils, as well as vice-chancellors of federal universities are to please note. Further development and information would be communicated to all relevant stakeholders.
Earlier directive
In the previous circular, Onazi, on behalf of the Executive Secretary NUC, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, had called out all vice-chancellors; pro-chancellors and chairmen of governing councils of federal universities.
They were to “Ensure that ASUU members immediately resume/commence lectures; Restore the daily activities and routines of the various University campuses.”
It has been a ding-dong between the government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), over on-going nationwide strike now in its seventh month, with the latter refusing to call off the action until all their demands have been met.
ASUU has been on strike since February 14, to press home the demand for improved funding for universities, a review of salaries for lecturers, among other issues.
